The next Ithaca Alternative Gift Fair will be held on December 5, 2015.

The 2014 Alternative Gift Fair was held Saturday, December 6 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM in two adjacent locations in Dewitt Park: the First Presbyterian Church, and the First Baptist Church.

2014 was our 11th Annual Alternative Gift Fair, offering holiday shoppers a choice of holiday “gifts” to honor family and friends while supporting local charities and non-profit organizations in a festive atmosphere.

The Fair offers holiday shoppers an opportunity to choose gifts of charitable donations, rather than more “stuff.” Since its start in 2004, the event has brought in over $480,000 that has gone directly to participating organizations. To be eligible, organizations must have a 501(c)(3) designation, an active local presence, and an annual budget of no more than $2 million.

“Gifts”, in the past, have ranged from $5 to give a compact fluorescent light bulb to a local, rural household or $10 for a week of school, clothing and two meals a day for an orphan in Zambia to $100 for a “Golden Opportunity” scholarship fund to help students remain successful in area schools. With hundreds of offerings to choose from, the Fair provides a something for everyone on a giving list. For each donation, the giver receives a holiday card with a description of the organization and the “gift”.